Prince Harry’s ex-regime’s Lance Corporal was ‘bullied’ and took his own life after returning home from a night out. He had just been passed up for promotion. An inquest heard.
Joel Robinson was a member of The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. He is also commonly known by the Blues and Royals.
Today’s coroner declared that he committed suicide. She also criticized the Army for failing to do enough to stem the tide of deaths from its soldiers.
LCpl Joel Robinson was an enlisted man who had just graduated from high school.
Joel Robinson, Lance Corporal (pictured), was serving in The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment at Combermere Barracks
According to the inquest, the victim felt bullied and criticized by his superiors from the elite Life Guards regiment. He was also passed over for promotion despite consistently receiving glowing reviews.
Angela Robinson, L/Cpl. Robinson’s mother and Adam Payter her barrister told the coroner earlier: “In messages [to his mother]Joel described several instances where his boss L/Cpl. Joyce was literally bullying him. He would threaten and fly off the handle on him.
“He mentioned that he had survived this whole process.”
The young man died from asphyxia caused by hanging, according to the coroner
L/Cpl. Robertson, who is from Reading in Berkshire was informed by the inquest that he had made a formal complaint regarding his superior’s conduct while in Germany. However, it had been rejected repeatedly and he never officially filed it.
Heidi Connor, Senior Berkshire coroner today said, “There was little in the way of supervision and it was clear that the chain of command wasn’t as strong as it should be.”
L/Cpl Robinson’s mental illness was also a factor that L/Cpl Robinson should have known about, according to the coroner.
She explained that L/Cpl Robinson had a very important service complaint in their conversation. L/Cpl. Robertson returned to the UK after feeling neglected for promotion. He felt that no other deserving soldiers had been promoted.
“He thought that it might have been caused by the Germany complaint. Although Major Chambers claimed that there was nothing to the service complaint, it was evident that L/Cpl Robinson felt this was distressing.
Today’s coroner declared that he committed suicide. She also criticized the Army for failing to do enough to stem the tide of deaths from its soldiers.
L/Cpl. Robertson had previously been reported to have been drinking on the night that the soldier was hanged.
Williams said that they would sing until late at night, sometimes until our eyes couldn’t keep open.
“He also mentioned using anti-depressants. He stated that it wasn’t all well at the barracks. He was not interested in being at the barracks.
“He wanted to go but wasn’t sure what to do once he did.
L/Cpl. Robinson was discovered hanging at 3 a.m. by one of his coworkers. He was soon declared dead despite their best efforts.
The inquest heard earlier that Robinson’s family and friends did not have any concern about his mental state before his death.
Prince Harry arrives at Combermere Barracks in order to present Afghanistan war campaign medals and awards to troops and officers with the Household Cavalry Regiment on May 5, 2008.
LCpl. Robertson had been in the army since 2010 right out of high school. His mother is a former soldier and thought that it was a secure place where he could pursue a career.
Ms. Connor concluded by criticizing Army rules on suicide prevention. She said: “The Army seems to have a passive approach and soldiers would be asked to declare that they are struggling, rather than having a system that actively considers risk factors.
“Sadly, I’ve seen more suicides within the Army than any other armed force.”
The hearing heard from the coroner who said she was writing to the British Army’s most senior officer with her recommendations. She suggested that the Army begin pro-actively screening its soldiers for mental illness.
Ms. Connor, who recorded a verdict for suicide, told L/Cpl.
Combermere Barracks, Windsor were Prince Harry as well as LCpl.
“I wish you’ll be able, after reading this conclusion to remember Joel’s happier times.”
Angela Robinson’s mother wrote a poignant pen portrait of L/Cpl.
“Joel was warm and loyal. He is sociable. Intelligent. He was charismatic, had an infectious win smile and a huge heart.
We are extremely proud of all the achievements that he has made throughout his life. His determination to achieve his Army goals and succeed in life. He was described in his glowing annual reports as a professional, highly-talented and popular man.
‘In memory of these memories, and as a lasting testament to Joel, and in celebration of his brief life, his name is added to the sideline of a brand new RNLI all-weather boat which will launch in 2022 at Wells-nest-the-Sea (Norfolk).
“In some way, Joel will be able to keep people safe and continue his work in helping them.”
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